Madison Fitzpatrick is a freelance ghostwriter and former engineer who specializes in helping experts, leaders, and innovators craft clear, impactful nonfiction books that distill complex ideas, working independently with clients across industries. She has ghostwritten more than 20 books in genres like business, communication, and personal growth, and her clients' projects have reached thousands of readers. Madison's unique background in engineering and management consulting gives her a talent for translating abstract or technical concepts into accessible narratives. She is passionate about making expert knowledge accessible for broader audiences and loves collaborating with clients to turn their pivotal moments and insights into stories that truly resonate.

Some ideas feel too big, too technical, or too tangled to ever fit neatly into a book. Yet the people who hold those ideas often have the insights readers need most. So how do you take something complex and turn it into a narrative that's actually enjoyable to read?

For Madison Fitzpatrick, the key lies in breaking complexity down with intention and clarity. Drawing from her background in engineering and management consulting, she explains that most experts don't struggle because their ideas are weak — they struggle because they haven't figured out how to translate those ideas for someone who isn't inside their world. Madison shares how she guides authors through mapping their message, choosing the right structure, and uncovering the throughline that makes a book feel cohesive. She talks about the messy but necessary early-stage thinking, the power of a strong kickoff process, and why clarity must come before beautiful writing. Ultimately, she believes that when ideas are shaped with care, even the most complex concepts can become compelling, accessible books.

In this episode of Sticky: Stories That Stick, Amelia Forczak sits down with Madison Fitzpatrick, a seasoned freelance ghostwriter, to discuss transforming complex ideas into clear, compelling books. They explore how to build a strong manuscript map, avoid common writing pitfalls, and navigate the full ghostwriting process. Madison also gives advice on choosing the right publishing path for your goals.

Roger Scholl is the Senior Executive Editor at Kevin Anderson & Associates, a full-service ghostwriting and editing firm that helps authors bring their books to market. He is also a Freelance Ghostwriter and Editor with Catherine Street Books, LLC. Over his nearly 40-year career — including decades as Vice President and Executive Editor at Penguin Random House — Roger has worked on more than 55 New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestsellers, collaborating with renowned authors such as Chip and Dan Heath, Arianna Huffington, Marshall Goldsmith, and Michio Kaku. In addition to his editorial leadership and impressive track record, Roger is known for his mentorship of aspiring authors and his deep expertise in shaping compelling nonfiction narratives. His insights into the intersection of storytelling, publishing, and ghostwriting offer valuable guidance for anyone hoping to craft stories that truly stick with readers.

Great stories don't become bestselling books by accident — they're shaped, refined, and elevated with intention. But what truly separates a good idea from a publishable, unforgettable story? And how do authors ensure their narratives resonate long after the final page?

Roger Scholl, a highly respected veteran editor and publishing expert, explains that bestselling books begin with a clear, compelling idea strengthened by strong storytelling fundamentals. He highlights how originality, narrative structure, and the right emotional depth help a book rise above the competition. This thoughtful craftsmanship allows authors to connect powerfully with their audience and stand out in a crowded market. Roger also discusses why the most successful books combine fresh insights with memorable stories and how refining an idea can often reshape an entire manuscript for the better.

In this episode of Sticky: Stories That Stick, Amelia Forczak sits down with Roger Scholl, Senior Executive Editor at Kevin Anderson & Associates, and Freelance Ghostwriter and Editor at Catherine Street Books, LLC, to discuss how great stories turn into bestselling books. She and Roger unpack what editors look for when evaluating a manuscript, how authors can differentiate their ideas, and why personal narratives often make nonfiction more compelling. Roger also shares advice on shaping stories that truly stick with readers.

Christopher Gersch is the CEO of Verde Solutions, a leading clean energy firm that specializes in commercial solar, battery storage, and EV development projects across the United States. Under his leadership, Verde Solutions and sister companies like Navigate Power have completed more than 2,800 projects in 48 states for major clients such as DHL and Southwest Airlines, earned repeated Inc. 5000 recognition, and served over 100,000 customers nationwide. Christopher is a serial entrepreneur who has founded more than a dozen businesses, serves as an adjunct professor at the University of Chicago, and was named one of Crain's Chicago Business 2023 Notable Leaders in Sustainability; he also holds an executive MBA from Northwestern and a Ph.D. in aerospace engineering from the University of Illinois. With a passion for both innovation and storytelling, Christopher brings a unique perspective on how personal experiences and business challenges can inspire action — whether in the classroom, on national news, or through the many companies he's built.

Some people seem to have an endless supply of energy, curiosity, and ideas, turning their passions into thriving businesses across multiple industries. But what does it take to not only start companies, but to build a network of ventures that support each other — and still have time left for family, teaching, and storytelling? How do you bounce back when your best-laid plans go awry, and what makes the stories of your journey truly memorable?

Christopher Gersch demonstrates how strategic vision, resilience, and authentic storytelling can transform setbacks into springboards for success. Drawing inspiration from his entrepreneurial mother, Chris built twelve businesses before age forty, cleverly linking them through a parent holding company to maximize synergy and minimize risk. He shares his journey from humble beginnings, through early failures — including a hedge fund collapse — to a thriving portfolio in clean energy, trading, and technology. Chris reveals the importance of taking action in the face of fear, finding and trusting the right partners, and reinvesting in growth rather than succumbing to complacency. His approach is rooted in self-awareness, transparency, and the humility to learn from both success and failure.

In this episode of Sticky: Stories That Stick, Amelia Forczak talks with Christopher Gersch about building interconnected businesses and the art of impactful storytelling. They draw out practical wisdom on entrepreneurship, leadership, and personal growth. Listeners will discover how Chris structures his companies for efficiency, hedges against business volatility, and cultivates strong teams by empowering 'lieutenants' to drive ventures forward. The conversation explores how teaching and media appearances sharpen his storytelling skills, and why the most powerful stories are those that capture both triumphs and pivots. Amelia and Chris delve into the value of peer groups for leaders, the necessity of action over hesitation, and the power of vulnerability in creating stories that truly stick. Whether you're a founder, creative, or aspiring storyteller, this episode offers actionable ideas and inspiration to help you navigate crooked roads — and share the lessons learned along the way.